Isle of Man Guide - CASTLETOWN

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The old capital of the island with a very long history as the the home of vikings, kings, and government. There is much to see and do in this historical coastal town.

Castletown sits on the site of an ancient volcano. The town was the capital of the island for hundreds of years. The government was run from within it before moving to Douglas and much of what the island is today started in this historical town.

Tracing its origins back to 1090, Castletown holds true as one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Its narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this ancient past at every corner. The medieval Castle Rushen, once the home of kings and later government, still dominates the centre of town.

Fishing boats continue to fill the harbour, though Castletown saw the end of major commercial traffic to its port in the 1970's. The on going expansion of financial and industrial businesses in the area keep Castletown on the map as an important island town.

Events

Dates:	Sunday 11 May 2008
Description:	Manx Wildlife Trust Rock pooling at Scarlett Visitor Centre. Come and explore the rock pools of Scarlett in search of starfish, shrimps, snails,shells and anemones. Please wear suitable footwear. 10.30am-12 noon. Scarlett Visitor Centre, Castletown.

Dates:	Friday 23 May 2008 - Monday 26 May 2008
Description:	Pre-TT Classic Motorcycle Races. Pre T.T. Classic Motorcycle Road Racing for solos and sidecars on the Billown Circuit Castletown. Practicing Friday 23rd from 6.05pm-9.35pm. Saturday 24th from 1pm-3.45pm. Racing on Monday 26th May from 9.10am until 12.05pm and from 12.50pm until 3.45pm. The Billown Circuit, Castletown.

Dates:	Tuesday 27 May 2008
Description:	Concours d'Elegance / Motorcyle Show. Concours d'Elegance of Racing Machines followed by the presentation of Trophies for the pre-TT Classic Races. Castletown Square. 2pm-4pm. Castletown Square, Castletown.
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Event information supplied by the Isle of Man Department of Tourism & Leisure (01624 686766)

Related News Articles

Drug and Alcohol community roadshows 16 November 2007
COMMUNITY roadshows are to be staged around the Island to provide members of the public with the latest information about the Chief Minister’s Drug and Alcohol Strategy. [More]

IRIS Master Plan - Mount Murray to Newtown transmission main 15 November 2007
The Department of Transport has announced that work on the new Mount Murray to Newtown Transmission Main scheme started at the beginning of this week. [More]

Castletown Insurance join Friends of Manx National Heritage as Corporate Members 29 October 2007
From offices overlooking Castle Rushen, Castletown Insurance Services Limited is the latest firm to join the Friends of Manx National Heritage corporate scheme. [More]

Southern Schools Tag Rugby World Cup 18 October 2007
Poulsom Park, Castletown played host to the Southern Schools Tag Rugby World Cup this week with over 120 children from the southern schools competing in this spectacular event. [More]

Reconstruction of A5 Douglas Road, Castletown 12 October 2007
The Department would like to remind the public that work on reconstructing the A5 Douglas Road will commence on Monday, 15th October. [More]